Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Memphis and Des Moines have a similar cost of living.

$1,123/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 6%
$51,211/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↑ 25%
$157,100 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$183,700 ↑ 17%
$1,087/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↑ 5%
629,063
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $69/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $828/year.

Median household income is $12,755/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Memphis residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Memphis or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Des Moines?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $69/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Des Moines?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $12,755/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Iowa?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with rent of $1,054/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

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